At the close of CompTIA ChannelCon 2025, held July 29–31 at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center in Nashville, Tennessee, the Global Technology Industry Association (GTIA) wrapped up one of the largest technology channel gatherings of the summer. This year’s event marked the organization’s continued evolution after rebranding from its former CompTIA Community identity and drew over 1,200 attendees, including managed service providers, IT solution vendors, distributors, and other channel professionals.
The conference theme, “The Future is Human,” reflected an emphasis on integrating human-centric leadership with the rise of advanced technologies. GTIA Chief Community Officer MJ Shoer highlighted how the vendor-neutral format encouraged open collaboration, learning, and honest dialogue among participants, free from competitive posturing.
A central attraction was the keynote lineup featuring Noelle Russell, founder and chief AI officer at the AI Leadership Institute, and leadership expert Kim Scott, author of Radical Candor. Russell’s address explored how companies can responsibly scale artificial intelligence solutions in real-world applications, from automating routine tasks to enhancing enterprise data analysis. Scott focused on workplace leadership, advocating for a more emotionally intelligent and inclusive approach to managing teams in tech environments.
Across more than 60 breakout sessions, attendees engaged with training on cybersecurity, MSP strategy, vendor relations, and AI deployment. In particular, sessions addressing generative AI in lead generation and the management of shadow IT gained high interest, illustrating the community’s focus on both opportunities and risks associated with AI in business.
ChannelCon 2025 was also highlighted in industry media as one of July’s most significant tech events, largely due to its robust programming on AI-powered tools for customer engagement, logistics efficiency, and data visualization. Beyond its professional development content, the conference hosted a variety of networking events—from vendor exhibitions and interactive demos to informal social gatherings and charity activities, including a team-based guitar-building session.
With a new CEO, Dan Wensley, taking the helm, GTIA used the event to reaffirm its mission to support the IT channel through its core pillars: people, resources, community, and advancement. Wensley’s executive keynote outlined strategic goals for strengthening peer-to-peer collaboration, encouraging philanthropic engagement, and spotlighting member contributions. The organization also named its Member of the Year during a celebratory luncheon.
Attendee response was widely positive, noting the value of direct access to thought leaders, actionable business insights, and a supportive community space. The event’s blend of technical sessions, strategic keynotes, and social engagement helped cement its reputation as a cornerstone gathering for enterprise-focused channel professionals.
With the continued rise of artificial intelligence and the growing need for adaptive digital infrastructure, ChannelCon 2025 delivered both inspiration and practical guidance for navigating a tech landscape in flux. As GTIA and its partners look ahead, this year’s conference sets a high bar for future innovation, collaboration, and leadership in the IT channel ecosystem.
